Expanding Ritual Opportunities for Orthodox Women

JOFA seeks to expand women’s participation in ritual life at home and in the synagogue, within halakhicparameters. TheTa Shma Guidesprovide women with the halakhic sources that permit women to touch a Torah scroll, say Kiddush on Shabbat, and recite Kaddish. TheInteractive Megillat Esther App teaches women and men megillah trope, giving them the tools to learn to read megillah and to plan women’s megillah readings. Women and Men in Communal Prayer: Halakhic Perspectives explores the possibility of expanding women’s participation in the Torah service. By including four responsa, it is a living example of thehalakhic process and showcases ways we can reconcile the competing values of tradition and human dignity.The Orthodox Jewish Women and Ritual Guides offer personal stories and suggestions from women who have felt excluded from traditional lifecycle events. The guides illustrate how women can expand their roles in celebrating their daughters’ births and bat mitzvahs, in the Shabbat rituals at home, and in mourning loved ones.

We hope these halakhic sources and practical tools encourage you to become more involved in Jewish ritual life at home and in the synagogue.